Pumpkin Pasta Sauce, aka “Pumpfredo”

Welcome to Day Three of Pumpkin Week on The Pajama Chef!

Let me begin by providing a theoretical scenario of what might happen when someone loves a certain seasonal ingredient a little too much. Please remember that the following text is completely theoretical.

Sometimes, to satisfy a love for a seasonal ingredient, it is necessary to become inventive in the use of it. Consequently, said ingredient can be used in a plethora of ways… some of which are a little, shall we say, nontraditional. For those who are not as obsessed in love with delighted by that ingredient, these “nontraditional” uses may be borderline weird, disgusting, or nasty, at an extreme level, or just odd and unappealing at a more tolerant level. And then the ingredient lover winds up having to make not just one, but two dinners in order to satisfy both parties.

Okay. Don’t forget that the above was all theoretical, not at all based in reality. Got it? Good. Because that two-dinner thing didn’t happen in our household on Saturday. No siree Bob. Not at all. *ahem… The following Pumpkin Pasta Sauce, aptly named “Pumpfredo” by the husband during his bite off my plate for its similarity in texture and consistency to Alfredo sauce. But let me tell you… this is one heck of a substitution for high fat and calorie laden Alfredo sauce. [For the record, I’m not into calorie counting or dieting or any of that, but I do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and I’m well aware that Alfredo sauce is not the healthiest Italian dish on the planet.] Continuing on…

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is one of the tastiest nontraditional pasta toppings I’ve had of late. It is creamy, tangy, and light, while still being rich in flavor and high in taste. The pumpkin adds a savory depth of flavor, while the dijon mustard and sage add tang and spice to the mix. Served atop a bed of baby spinach, whole wheat penne, and a chopped turkey Italian sausage, this is a great, filling meal for any pumpkin lover. If there are any apathetic pumpkin-eaters at your table, then that’s okay… more for you; more for me! 🙂

Question of the Day: What do you say to those who don’t love pumpkin [or any other seasonal food] as much as you do? Your answers can give me ammo rationale for dealing with those in my life who do not share my sentiments… 🙂 so they are much appreciated and enjoyed!